Oh, what a glorious season! I love all the bright, vibrant fall colors, even though the dropping leaves make a mess and their very existence means winter is on its way. But it’s such a visceral pleasure to drive around Brighton and take in all the lovely seasonal changes. Being conscious of such beauty has to be good for the soul.

I do worry about some of those lovely trees, though. As I drive along Clover or Winton, I see several trees with branches leaning out over the street at angles that don’t look very stable. I hold my breath as I pass under them, hoping I won’t be the one those branches land on when they finally give way. I wish homeowners and the town would cruise along our major roads and look at the trees from that safety-critical perspective to think about which branches could, and should, be trimmed before they fall and cause either damage or injury.

But in the meantime, I’ll continue feeling enriched by every bright, colorful leaf along my journeys!

There are days when I imagine setting sail–leaving it all behind–in search of peace and a little adventure.

I guess everyone has a story. I know most people have an opinion. Finding a balance between listening and talking can be a challenge. Many people like to expound on topics they clearly don’t know much about. Others talk from a very narrow viewpoint.

When offering an opinion, I preface my words by saying, ‘it’s just my opinion.’ I remind myself that analysis without feeling or passion or commitment rarely rings true.

You’re expected to share your opinions when you’re blogging–within reason, of course–and that’s a great freedom and responsibility.

In the steam room yesterday at the local gym, through the hot thick grey, a woman, wrapped in a towel had a lot to say. She recounted, at full volume, unsolicited advice she’d given someone who was rushing to a yoga class. She’d analyzed the woman’s life in the few seconds they’d met in the locker room. She shared her advice and analysis in detail to all who had to listen in that small, steamy room.

Luckily, as she trumpeted on, the steam burst forth with such force nothing more could be said. I laughed.

Without ideas or thoughtful opinions, without our stories, we have nothing. Yet, how many times have I escaped to nature seeking freedom from opinion or analysis, simply to watch and wonder.

I’m reminded in autumn, when trees on my street are ablaze with color and nature puts on its brilliant show, that ducks and squirrels rarely offer opinions when I pass by. They identify us as friend or foe. They co-exist with– even befriend — anyone who approaches gently.

There’s a pond across the street from my home with a few ducks. One day, I had a strange notion. I wanted to communicate with an animal using only my intention. So I singled out a particular duck and sent him the thought I’d like to be his friend. I didn’t approach him or even try to feed him. The duck didn’t seem to notice much.

Feeling silly, I headed home and sat down on the front step. When I turned and looked toward the road, I saw that duck walking toward me. He crossed the parking lot, stopped directly in front of me and turned his head. Then, he looked me squarely in the eye. There he sat until I went into the house about a half hour later.

There are so many ways we share and listen. So many places to find peace and a little adventure, not so far from home.

Contributors

is a stay-at-home mother of two young children ages 3 and 1, but she hardly ever 'stays at home.' "In fact, I find that title kind of ironic," Lauri says, "because stay-at-home moms are probably the most active people in the world!"
For nearly seven years, she and her husband, Ryan, have lived in Brighton's Evans Farm neighborhood, where she is currently president of the neighborhood association. A graduate of Syracuse University, Lauri formerly worked as a news producer for WROC-TV and in the nonprofit industry at Heritage Christian Services. She does freelance writing, grant writing and considers herself a professional bargain hunter. Lauri enjoys living in Brighton for its convenient location, wonderful schools and friendly people.
"I hope to use this blog to help spread the word about the abundance of resources and opportunities that Brighton has to offer, especially for families with young children." If you have a blog idea you'd like to share, "please e-mail me at lbonnell@gmail.com."

Freelance writer/editor Ruth E. Thaler-Carter is a Rochester native who attended School 49 and graduated from Brighton High School. She spent seven years in St. Louis, eight in D.C. and 13 in Baltimore crafting a successful career in communications before returning home because “my wacky steelworker husband wanted to retire here ever since we were married here.” She teaches at Writers and Books; handles publicity for the Brighton Schools Alumni Association; leads the Rochester chapters of the Editorial Freelancers Association and Association for Women in Communications; belongs to the Rochester Friends Meeting; and is known for keeping her friends connected. Reach her at Ruth@writerruth.com.